Losing Faith, Leaving Ministry, Loving God
When Ralph Patrick first visited the isle of Iona in Scotland, he never could have imagined the central place this sacred space would come to hold in his life. As he faced the loss of his mother, his marriage, and his ministry, it was Iona that would offer a beacon of hope, beckoning him to return. In time he would heed that call; to find the love of God and renewed meaning for life. Patrick’s journey through the dark valley of losing faith and all that he cherished compelled him to follow a path to discover what matters most. In the spirit of authenticity and vulnerability, he shares a message that shines the light of hope for those who are also seeking direction and meaning. More than a memoir, this story is an invitation for the reader to embark on their own spiritual pilgrimage, wherever it might lead.
“A testimonial to strength, this book tells of one man’s pilgrimage in a time which too few of us can find
ourselves, let alone God. A successful minister who gives up his collar, Ralph loses his marriage, and
subsequently sheds his faith. Stripped of all his trappings, he finds God - and hope - on a remote island in Scotland.
If not simply for the beauty of the writing, this book is an aid in your own journey of faith. Savor this book for its descriptions, details, and depth, and revel in the integrity revealed.”
- Rebecca Chopp, University of Dener Chancellor Emerita, Theologian, and Author
About the Book
There is a mystic character in the rugged west coast of Scotland, enhanced by the fog, rain, and mist that frequently characterize the region. Speaking from my own experience, making the trek from Oban to Mull and the final ferry to Iona, one finds that the first step off the dock into a place of spiritual power is something one never forgets.
Ralph Patrick’s struggles as a Lutheran pastor, his having to deal with difficult assignments, with care and concern for his family, and finally, the death of his mother and marital problems brought him to return to Iona more than once, seeking renewal and spiritual revitalization. His spiritual struggles raised doubts at many levels including serious questions about faith and ministry. His intriguing story is one of spiritual struggle to find peace and fulfillment, like the Old Testament account of Jacob wrestling with the Angel of God (Genesis 32:24–28). Patrick’s wrestling with God led him on many paths, but ultimately led to his final return to Iona, where he found new meaning and purpose—and, I believe, a new understanding of God and priesthood.
About the Author
The son of Jean and Ralph Patrick, both of whom have completed their life journey, Ralph was raised in northern Wisconsin, which birthed in him his love of God as experienced in nature. Ralph is a father to four wonderful daughters with whom he loves spending quality time. Ralph’s passions include hiking, reading, writing, and traveling, especially to Scotland and Cambodia.
Ralph has served in various roles, including inner city pastor, overseas missionary, and as a director for two non-profit organizations. He has volunteered for numerous philanthropic agencies, including the Iona Community and the Ray of Hope ministry for children in Cambodia. Some of the proceeds of this book will go to each of those. Most recently, Ralph worked as a Regional Director and Director of Community Engagement in the Colorado chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Ralph currently serves as a pastor for a small church in Colorado, as a spiritual director, and as a dementia consultant for Cardinal Crossroads, an organization he started to honor his mother.
He has a B.A. from Concordia University, St. Paul; a M.Div. from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne; and a M.Th. from Glasgow University, Scotland.
